1993 Mazda RX-7 FD

The FD RX-7 was Mazda's final statement on the rotary sports car, and it was magnificent. The styling — penned by Mazda's own design team — remains timeless. The sequential twin-turbo 13B-REW was the most sophisticated rotary engine ever mass-produced. At under 2,900 lbs with perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the FD handled like a telepathic extension of the driver. It was also Mazda's most expensive car to build, and they lost money on every one. The RX-7 was discontinued in 2002 because emissions and crash regulations made the rotary untenable. It was the rotary's swan song, and Mazda made it beautiful.

The FD's flowing curves hide wear well, but look carefully at the rear bumper cover and rear quarter panels for cracks. Vintage Red and Brilliant Black are the classic colors; Competition Yellow is rare and collectible. Interior wear is usually minor — these were coddled cars. The sequential turbo system has vacuum lines everywhere that age and crack. Engine bay cleanliness indicates maintenance quality. Watch for signs of single-turbo conversion (common mod, not necessarily bad, but changes character).

The FD demands commitment. The rotary engine has specific requirements: premix oil in fuel, redline it regularly to prevent carbon buildup, don't let it overheat ever. The sequential turbo system is complex and expensive to repair if it fails. Apex seals are the rotary's Achilles heel, but a well-maintained engine can run 100K+ miles. The enthusiast community is exceptional — rotary people are obsessive in the best way. Parts availability is good for a discontinued niche car. A sorted FD is one of the greatest driver's cars ever made. An unsorted one is a money pit.